Customer Reviews

The Price of Desire

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I had some real problems with the story of this book. It wasn't that I didn't like the leads. They were fine and the story started out well, but as more details were added and added and added, it became an exercise in shock fiction.

One of my main complaints is that I don't understand why true villains get off without any punishment. That's been a theme for a while in many novels I've read. The hero and heroine's 'compassion' lets them send the villains off to another country or to live a life in poverty or some other such mild punishment. Presumably this is supposed to stop the criminal behavior. Not likely.


SPOILERS:

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Does Ms. Goodman expect us to believe that Olivia's father stopped going to that convent to hook up with little girls when Olivia left? That he's not still visiting the convent school to exercise his perversions? Not only does her father go off to his life after having abused her as a child, but also after assaulting her in the office of the man who supposedly loves her, and the convent school is forgotten by the end of the book. Griffin and Olivia are not interested in what most likely continues to happen to the little girls sent there?

And does she expect us to believe that Olivia is the only person Mr. Burton tried to rape? Mr. Burton is left to his own devices at the end. Alastair's shots went astray and we're supposed to be happy about it. The reality is that Olivia was probably the only woman who escaped Mr. Burton.

And as for the dark topic, I felt Olivia's ardor with Griffin was also a bit hard to believe after what she'd suffered as a child and even as an adult. It seems her harrowing background was more an effort to create drama and, although it was realistically presented, the longer term effects of such trauma were virtually ignored, which made it all seem like a gimmick rather than a well considered plot line.

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SPOILER END

This is my first Jo Goodman book and I bought it because a friend recommended her as an author. I don't think I can go for a second try after this one, unfortunately. If there's anyone out there who agrees with my problems on this one and can recommend one of Goodman's stories without this sort of prurient exploitation of real and horrifying issues, I'd be happy to change my mind. I just won't go in blind again.

I can't recommend this book. I only give it two stars because she's got considerable talent as a writer and I did like the leads. Otherwise it would have gotten one.

There is not another author who can portray the "tortured heroine" so well. Olivia's story is revealed very slowly, bit by bit, leaving the reader anticipating the horror that you know is coming. The hero, Griffin, is excellent in his subtle ability to "love" our heroine into trusting him with her secrets. I so wanted the "villain" to get his come-uppance at the end, but I suppose the way Ms. Goodman achieved this was pretty good, if not what I was hoping for. I have read almost all of Goodman's books and have a hard time deciding which series I like best. This story reminded me most of her "Compass Club" series, one of my favorites. I highly recommend this book for all who enjoy "meaty" stories, not the light fluff that a lot of romantic authors are spinning out these days.

The Price of Desire revolves around Olivia Cole and Griffin Wright-Jones. Griffin owns a hell where Olivia's brother, Anthony, has wracked up an enormous debt. When Griffin demands collateral until Anthony can pay the debt, Anthony is forced to give him a family heirloom. Through Anthony's selfishness and scheming Olivia ends up being given to Griffin as a marker. What follows is a journey of Olivia discovering her self-worth and learning how to trust someone.

It's always easier for me to be specific about the things that didn't work for me than the things that made me love a book. Bear with me as I try.

What I love about Jo Goodman's writing is the lyrical quality of the prose. As I read, the flow of the sentences takes on a cadence in my mind and pulls me through chapter after chapter. I find this is especially true in the way she writes dialogue. It has a certain rhythm that makes the pages turn quickly for me.

I'm definitely not an expert in any period of history, so I can't speak with any authority on how authentic everything was. However, I can certainly give my opinion as to how it felt for this reader. Everything felt authentic, especially how the characters spoke. The way they expressed themselves and the way they phrased things felt very antique. I don't mean that in a bad way, it was definitely a plus for me. There was never a moment where I stopped because something seemed weird about how the period was described. That happens to me sometimes. I feel compelled to google a fact because it seems so out of place.

Sometimes in a Romance book I either love the heroine or I love the hero. It rarely happens that I love both. I may like both, but I really only love one. That was not the case here. The way Olivia and Griffin were written made both of them strike a cord in me. I ended up feeling for both and enjoying them equally.

Olivia was such a mix of strength and vulnerability. I loved that about her. She was strong, but it was a quiet strength. She was very levelheaded and thought before she acted. Olivia was very self-contained. There were never any outbursts to give the reader or the characters in the book an obvious indication of how she felt. Because of that the reader and the characters are obliged to watch her and hope for more clues to figure out who she is as a person.

Griffin was more up front than Olivia, so it was easier to see who he was and what his motivations were. I didn't really enjoy his history with marriage, but I certainly understood it. I empathized with his circumstances and found his attitude toward them refreshing. Any character that has had a negative experience that impacted them but doesn't "woe is me" about it automatically earns points with me.

I didn't really enjoy the first love scene between Olivia and Griffin. It actually made me faintly uncomfortable. Having said that, I think the way it was done was spot on in regards to the characters. It gave me a lot of insight into Olivia and Griffin. I appreciate when a love scene actually shows me more about the inner workings of the characters. I enjoyed watching their relationship mature and how they grew together.

I didn't like how things were resolved with Elaine. That was the only part of the book that felt like it took the easy way out. I did however like the situation she left with Griffin. I was interested in what he would choose to do in regards to Nat. That's a hard situation to be in and I can honestly say I have no idea which way I would have gone on it.

I found the resolution, or the lack or resolution, with Olivia's family to be realistic. While I, living in the time I do, may think it is unfair and heinous things should be done to right the wrong, that wouldn't fit here. There isn't always a horrible future for villainous people. Sometimes there is no justice. I also like that Anthony stayed the same immature, selfish person throughout the book. I was glad that Olivia actually acknowledged his faults and learned she really couldn't depend on him. Too often the selfish family member suddenly reforms toward the end of the book for no discernable reason. It's very irritating.

This is a quiet book. We're never given info dumps or shown the character thinking very obvious thoughts like, "I love her/him". Until things are resolved through the characters the reader will have to pay attention to the actions of the characters to gauge their true feelings. Also, this is a very dark book in some aspects. Some readers may be turned off by that, so be warned.

Debt, fate and redemption are the recurring themes of Jo Goodman's The Price of Desire. The lives Olivia Cole and Griffin Wright-Jones become entangled because of a debt owed to Griffin by Olivia's youthful, gambling brother, but as the story unfolds, it almost seems like a quirk of fate that they meet. Olivia and Griffin are similar in so many ways - distrustful, secretive, but at their core, they have integrity. Even though they have experienced rejection by their family and live on the outskirts of respectability, they are not completely jaded by it.

Olivia is a fascinating character. She has secrets that haunt her. When confronted with circumstances beyond her control, she retreats into her mind and envisions places of calm and comfort. She withdraws by reading books, drinking tea, taking walks and by closely observing people and situations all around her and using her sharp mind to maneuver along the path of the unknown.

Griffin is steel-willed, intelligent and confident while running his gambling enterprise. Because of a betrayal in his past, he detests liars and deceit. Olivia is an enigma and she fascinates him because she doesn't appear to be completely forthright with him. Living under the same roof, they gradually get to know one another and, because of the secrets they keep, they only surmise at what each other's motives are.

Goodman has constructed a puzzle in a storyline of intrigue and each piece of the puzzle is offered up until they characters' fates are inextricably interlocked. It is a growing trust that allows both Olivia and Griffin to emerge into a supportive relationship where they can reveal their secrets at last. A new and unexpected piece of the puzzle is introduced toward the end, taking the story one step further into redemption, by providing personal insights for Olivia and Griffin and allowing them to come full circle and heal their deepest wounds. Olivia is allowed to revisit her own innocence by seeing the world through the eyes of a six-year-old child and Griffin comprehends that something good has become of a bad marriage.

Goodman is an extraordinary storyteller. In The Price of Desire she creates characters of depth and intelligence and tackles taboo subjects with compassion and honesty. It is such a pleasure to curl up and read about two people who have overcome life's unfairness, and despite their setbacks, still live a life of integrity and acceptance. When Goodman casts them together, she gives them something that has been missing from their lives. Hope and Love. Thank you Jo Goodman for a compelling story!

Despite what other reviewers say, a story does not have to be 100% believable - it IS fiction after all! It is supposed to be enjoyed. I thought this was another great book by Jo Goodman, "dark" subject matter and all. Well written, kept my interest from 1st page to last - deserves to be read!

This story started with an interesting theme but then got a little dark for me. Olivia's story came out slowly and I felt at times it was hard to tell how Griffin and Olivia really felt for each other. The language I found at times was a struggle to read. Also I was not happy that what happened to Olivia and the other girls went unpunished. I know in that time period insest was swept under the carpet but I found it hard to think that Griffin didn't try to hand out his own justice? Though if Olivia could find happiness with Griffin and could make a life after what happened to her then so be it. I would still recommend this book just don't read it when your having a down day.

I rated this book 5 stars because the author covered a sensitive subject in a tasteful, interesting, and sympathetic way. As with the previous reviewer, I did feel a bit let down by the ending. However, it was probably consistent with how such things were handled at that period of time.

Ms. Goodman tackles some really serious subject matter that could have made the book an uncomfortable read. She does not get too graphic and enough time has passed since the incidents that it not as torturous as it could have been for which I'm thankful. On the other hand, it's serious enough and emotionally draining enough that it gives the book a heft and depth that most romance novels can't come close to.

I've found that most of Ms. Goodman's heroes and heroines have a certain similarity in disposition and temperment. It's a good thing I love these traits and can't get enough of them or they'd start to seem a little too alike. But I do love them. Griffin and Olivia are no exception. They are both smart, even tempered, and yet damaged people. It's beautiful to see them learn to know and love each other. I'm glad the author gave them enough time to do that and not fall into each others arms right away, but soon enough that I didn't get frustrated.

As for the unexpected appearance of a son halfway though, it was a bit disconcerting, especially the fairly easy acceptance of him as Griffin's heir. But there were little things that made me think that he really is his son, like his fascination with toy soldiers and his fantastical memory. In the end - if both Griffin and Olivia accept him - then I guess I can too. And it doesn't hurt that he really is a great little boy.

The villains didn't get the comeuppance that I was hoping for, but then that much bloodshed might not have been the best way to end the book. I was satisfied enough and I'm convinced that Griffin and Olivia are going to live out a well deserved HEA. I couldn't ask for anything more.

i have all of jo goodman's books and will continue to buy them. the reason i am giving this book three stars is because of the child inserted into this story and i see no reason for it being done. griffins wife was truly a "slut". she sleeps with three servants (possibly more knowing her character) during a one week houseparty after they were shortly married. a few weeks into their marriage and he confronted her with her adulterous affairs and she scarred his face with a riding crop. seems the woman was constantly in bed with anyone, no matter their station. griffin admits to being intimate with her once after he finds out about her adulterous affairs. where was his since of honor, pride, and self-worth? the woman slept with so many men why would anyone believe this child was his after this one time. he even suspects the date of birth was incorrect. now with all these affairs and we are speaking of double digits here possibly, a six year old boy makes his appearance in the book for a few pages, he looks like his mother. he has none of his supposedly fathers traits except to mimick some of his expressions.

spoiler here: griffin makes a statement that "if i denounce his mother, i shame the boy. if i accept him as my son, i have BASTARD for my heir"

now my point, why even add this to the book, it takes away from the story, there is no way to prove that he is griffins son. griffin has to have a legal heir, his new wife will provide that, how can their future son not be his legal heir, and rightly so should he. it is one thing to take the child and raise him but as his heir it should not be even contemplated in this book in fact neither should the child.

This is a well written book but I just couldn't get past the horrific content. The hero is strong and just what an abused person would need but the chemistry was always overshadowed by her dark past. And then for the author to add in another attack (not reflective but at the 'present') was just too much.
I generally like light easy reads, the more predictable the better and although this was predictable (in a good way) the content just never got out of that depressing current.